Is Polyoxymethylene Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Polyoxymethylene is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Polyoxymethylene. CAS 9002-81-7.
Is Polyoxymethylene banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | cosmetic resins |
| CAS number | 9002-81-7 |
What is Polyoxymethylene?
Polyoxymethylene is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Polyoxymethylene used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Polyoxymethylene dangerous? Documented risks
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and a common skin sensitizer. The EU restricts formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and requires warning labels; Washington State is phasing them out, while they remain unrestricted federally in the US.
Products that may contain Polyoxymethylene
- cosmetic resins
How to avoid Polyoxymethylene: safer alternatives
Choose 'formaldehyde-free' products and EU-compliant brands; look for preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. BannedPantry flags formaldehyde releasers on the INCI list.
Frequently asked questions about Polyoxymethylene
Is Polyoxymethylene banned in the EU?
Polyoxymethylene is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Polyoxymethylene in US cosmetics?
Yes — Polyoxymethylene can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Polyoxymethylene?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Polyoxymethylene automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Polyoxymethylene?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Polyoxymethylene.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Polyoxymethylene or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related formaldehyde releasers
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- Formaldehyde releasers in common personal-care products — Silent Spring Institute
- Washington Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act implementation — Toxic-Free Future
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.